“Yes, it was an interesting shade to be sure… But also rather vexing that he only dropped it in my hands and told me that I couldn’t even use the key yet, as though I’m a child.” He said in a tone that was a little more sour. Even if he knew very well that in the world’s eyes 16 was hardly an adult, but he felt that being thrust into an orphanage was a slight on his first day. “One would think whoever was in charge of the welcoming committee would be more open to speaking on the subject of this world.”

But he took a breath. It would be like living in the school dorms. It would be a good experience being around others after having been so sheltered before. He would be patient and mature on the matter. A free bed and meals were still a free bed and meals. “Iwatodai? I haven’t been there myself. Afraid I haven’t had much opportunity to leave Tokyo, at least not yet. Perhaps one day I shall have to make a trip to see it. But it’s still nice to have met someone from Japan. Someone who knows what I’m talking about will be nice on occasion.” If either of them got a bit homesick, perhaps it would be a familiar subject.

Yusuke’s eyes lit up to hear that news, though. “Is that so? What kind of worlds and realities have they spoken of to you thus far?” He might have been digging a little, if only because he wondered if it was possible that some of his friends might have ended up here, too. Maybe he wasn’t as alone as he first thought? If not… Well, it was still interesting news to hear. It might prove interesting to seek these people out to learn about their experiences.

“I thought so, thus it shall be dubbed a beorse until we can learn more on the subject.” he responded with a satisfied smile, looking forward to both finding out more and showing off whatever artwork came of this inspiring little reference. He would have to find a way to repay her kindness, even if it didn’t result in something satisfying. But at her returned introduction, he bowed his head lightly. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Is there a preference for how I should refer to you?” It seemed to him that, in their world, she was likely his elder by a few years. Mitsuru might prefer formalities, given they’d just met.

“You’re probably correct, though one must wonder how they decide where is or is not appropriate for us? How do they know so much about those of us brought here- or at least as much personal information as they seem to?” How were the rooming assignments of the colour buildings decided? How did they know he wasn’t over 18 when he was taller than his peers, who were older than him? So many questions… So few answers. No point in freaking out over it. Of course, it wasn’t about to change anything. But it was a curiosity.

His thoughts shifted, though, as she explained she wasn’t here alone. That was… actually good to know that such a thing was possible. It would also be nice to meet someone else who would know a little more of their world, or at least the normal side of it. “That must be a great comfort to have a friend here with you.” He commented with a small smile, though he had to wonder what this Shinjiro was like based on her warning. “I will keep that in mind should I meet him, though I’m not… unfamiliar with people who are slightly rougher around the edges. As patience trying as they can be, they aren’t all bad.” And no one was here to hear him say that! So it was fine to admit… You could be annoyed by, but also still be friends with someone, couldn’t you not?

Creatures tied to human emotion…? The bit about only being able to access such a place based on certain times was odd, but… It was hard to not see the connection, and the possibility that came with it. If only Yusuke knew that Mitsuru was speaking of her own experience, and not some random bystander… The teen’s eyes widened with interest as he responded. “Is that so?” It was Yusuke’s turn to work out how to respond, and to ask more about this someone and their experience without letting on more than needed. “That is rather strange.” So weird, he couldn’t possibly know what she was talking about, after all. “But interesting, as well. It could be useful to learn about such a place, what with the situation we’re in now. I should like to meet this someone, if I have the chance.”

Kirijo would have been more appropriate, and Yusuke would have accepted that, but he nodded to the request. “Mitsuru, then. In that case, you can also call me Yusuke.” They were in the same situation after all, so leaving formalities aside was a welcome idea. Though, now that he was less caught up in inspiration and thoughts of strange creatures, something crept into his mind. A little nudge of something familiar. Her last name was rather well known, after all. So even if it might not be so, it was hard not to wonder. “Though it occurs to me now, I must ask about your last name… Are you related to the Kirijo of the Kirijo Group?”

Continued here!